"At the minute he is probably better." said the Hammers midfielder, "He's got that ­experience. He has won things with Spain. He has won championships here.

"He has won cups here and he is like that week in, week out. He is one of the best players on the pitch every time he goes out there. That's what Spain seem to be bringing through these days. Every player that comes over or every player that you see on the telly is a top, top player.

"That's why they have been winning everything over the last few years."